Gupteshwar Mahadev | |
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Religion | |
Affiliation | Hinduism |
Deity | Shiva |
Festivals | Mahashivaratri |
Location | |
Location | Bihar |
Country | India |
Location in Bihar | |
Geographic coordinates | 24°45′58″N83°48′26″E / 24.76603°N 83.80725°E |
Architecture | |
Type | Cave Temple |
Temple(s) | 1 |
Gupta Dham, also known as Gupteshwar Cave Temple [1] , is a natural cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a pilgrim site located in the Kaimur range in Rohtas district of Bihar. [2] The cave is known for a natural rock formation resembling a Shivling called Gupteshwar Mahadev. [3] [4]
The cave lies at the foot of the eastern flank of the Chunda (also known as Goptha, Gupta, Gupteswar) [5] hill in the Rohtas Plateau, the most eastern extension of the Kaimur Range. [6]
The Gupteshwar Cave Temple is traditionally linked to the legend of Bhasmasura, a demon who misused a blessings granted by Lord Vishnu. According to local folklore, Lord Shiva intervened to protect Vishnu and killed Bhasmasura at this site, giving the cave its religious significance. [7]